24. March 2020  
Lausanne, SUI  
Artistic Gymnastics

2020 Olympic Games Will Be Delayed By One Year Due To The Coronavirus

The 2020 Summer Olympics and Paralympics in Tokyo will be postponed by one year due to the global coronavirus outbreak, officials announced Tuesday, amid fears that the large gathering of athletes, coaches, and spectators from around the world could further spread the deadly virus. The games had been scheduled to begin on July 24. Speaking to reporters after a call with International Olympic Committee (IOC) Chair Thomas Bach, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said he had proposed the games be delayed and that Bach was in full agreement.

In a IOC statement, officials said the games would be "rescheduled to a date beyond 2020 but not later than summer 2021, to safeguard the health of the athletes, everybody involved in the Olympic Games and the international community." The leaders agreed that the games will still be called the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics. The Olympic flame, which recently arrived in Japan, will also remain in the country for the time being.
"The leaders agreed that the Olympic Games in Tokyo could stand as a beacon of hope to the world during these troubled times," IOC officials said, "and that the Olympic flame could become the light at the end of the tunnel in which the world finds itself at present."
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The historic decision marks the first time in the modern era that the timing of any Olympics has been impacted by anything other than war. The 1916 Summer Olympics were canceled due to World War I, while all Olympic Games between 1940–44 were canceled due to World War II.
The Olympics are just the latest in a string of events and international gatherings to be affected by the coronavirus pandemic, which has so far canceled or postponed parades, marathons, conferences, concerts, and festivals as people seek to practice so-called social distancing and avoid mass gatherings of people.
* Source: IOC, different media

 

** LAUSANNE (SUI), FIG Office, 24 March 2020
FIG statement on postponement of Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games
The International Gymnastics Federation welcomes the decision announced today to reschedule the Games of the XXXII Olympiad in Tokyo to a date beyond 2020 but no later than summer 2021. This decision will allow gymnasts to apprehend their preparation for the Olympic Games with more serenity.
“IOC President, Thomas Bach and Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe have made a very courageous decision. In this difficult situation, we must be united and supportive,” commented FIG President, Morinari Watanabe. “By doing so, we are certain that the Tokyo Games will be, more than ever, the celebration of the excellence, solidarity and friendship around sport. We will do our utmost to make these Games historical,” he added.

The FIG reiterates that it will do everything necessary to adapt its events calendar to fit the new dates of the Olympic Games that shall be set later. The postponement of the Olympic Games will also have several repercussions on the FIG rules, especially those of the Gymnastics disciplines. The FIG will take the time to assess all the implications resulting from this postponement and will carefully review what adjustments or modifications should be made. Athletes’ interest and safety will lie at the center at any decision. The FIG will communicate any changes or adjustments made to the rules once duly approved.
* Source: f i g press